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Microsoft unveils Sidekick’s next of KIN

Microsoft hopes to "crank social up to 11" with its new KIN mobile devices, …

During a media event in San Francisco today, Microsoft revealed the spiritual successor to the Danger Sidekick messaging phone. Called "KIN," the new platform is designed with a heavy focus on social networking and is targeted mainly towards younger users that Microsoft has dubbed the "social generation."

KIN is launching with two different hardware versions. KIN ONE is a small touchscreen QWERTY slider that looks not unlike the Palm Pre. It has 4GB of flash memory for storage and a 5 megapixel camera optimized for low-light use.

KIN TWO is a larger, more traditional-looking QWERTY slider, with a larger, wider touchscreen. It has 8GB of storage and an 8 megapixel camera that can shoot 720p HD video.

Both devices run the KIN software—apparently based on Windows Phone 7—which is dominated by the KIN Loop. This is a constantly updated stream of data from your favored "friends," however the "social generation" defines that term. Photos, videos, SMS messages, tweets, Facebook posts, and more from your "favorites" all appear here. Items you want to share with others can be dragged to the KIN Spot, which will push out items to your favorites. You can also use the Spot to share photos and videos you shoot with your device or webpages you browse with the built-in browser.

"We're going to crank social up to 11," said Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's entertainment division. Wrapping up the event, Bach also described KIN as "couture software for Generation Upload"—rather an odd sentiment, since couture clothing is known primarily for its absurd price.

KIN also has all the features you might expect from a modern communications device (which made the Sidekick so appealing to its users), including e-mail, instant messaging, SMS and MMS, a Web browser, and a music player. The KIN syncs with Zune software and can use Zune Pass (in MS-speak, it is "Zune Tuned"), and it has an FM tuner. Oh, it can also make phone calls.

No details are currently available about pricing for either the KIN devices or associated data calling plans. However, "premium" data plans will give users access to KIN Studio, a secure cloud-based backup service that will store all your photos, videos, contacts, and other data.

The devices will launch in May on Verizon in the US, and should be available on Vodafone in UK, Germany, Spain, and Italy this fall.